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ABOUT LUKE AND HIS 1918 CHEVY V8
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Luke and his 1918 V8 on the ranch
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A native Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains, Luke is a husband, father and a residential construction general contractor. Luke is also a man whose grit, determination, and obsession with vintage cars, trucks and tractors has culminated in owning the car of a lifetime--a 1918 Chevy V-8 Touring Car.
Born and raised on his family's 23-acre fruit orchard, Luke at age nine was given the responsibility for keeping the family's 1930 Model AA orchard truck in running order. Luke learned the true meaning of "hands-on" maintenance, taking on everything from tune-ups and engine repair to body work on the family fleet.
Self-reliant and deeply experienced with every element of vintage automotive maintenance and repair, Luke focused his life-long passion for vintage automobiles on a rare car that holds a secret.
Conventional wisdom marks the 1955 Chevrolet as the starting place for Chevy's legendary history with V-8 engines--motors integral to the reputations of such vehicles as the Corvette, Camaro, SS-series cars and workhorse trucks. But Luke knew the little-known truth that the 1918 V-8 Touring Car was actually the first V-8 engine to be created by Chevrolet.
When Luke had the opportunity to purchase this car in 1989, he knew this was a chance of a lifetime. The car came from a collection purchased by the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, MI, referred to by many as the "Smithsonian" for the auto industry. With only 2,781 built over a two-year period, there are only 10 of these cars known in existence. The transaction almost didn't happen, as a result of 1989's magnitude 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake that severely damaged Luke's home and financially impacted his construction business. Undeterred, and thanks to the seller's flexibility, Luke eventually purchased what is believed to be the 1918 Chevy V-8 Touring Car in the most pristine condition.
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A glimpse of the 1st overhead-valve V8
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About the Chevrolet 1918 D5 Touring Car
Chevrolet's 1918 D5 Touring Car was a collaboration between William Durant, founder of General Motors, and Louis Chevrolet. The last car designed by Mr. Chevrolet for the company bearing his name, the Chevrolet Series D was highly regarded and considered a luxury car. Priced at $1,400 and offered in two models, a five passenger touring and a four passenger roadster, it featured French leather upholstery and varnished mahogany throughout its stylish interior. A pressed steel floor plan, weatherproof top, and nickel plated metal parts added refined details to the new Chevrolet. The signature featured of the car was one of the most advanced engines of its time, the Series D's ninety-degree overhead valve V-8, packing 38 horsepower.
The public had a hard time accepting a luxury-level Chevy, and sales suffered for it. Launched in late 1917 as a 1918 model, it was pulled from the market in 1919. Chevrolet would not offer V8 power again until 1955.
About Luke Rizzuto's Car
The car was museum-owned and on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan, from 1938 until 1989. With just 4,200 miles, the car is considered to be in the best original condition among the 10 known to exist.
Fulfilling roles as both owner and mechanic, Luke personally maintains every element of the car. Due to the car's rarity, spare parts can be nearly impossible to come by, requiring parts to be custom-produced by machinists.
Weighing 3,400 lbs and powered by a 288 cubic-inch V-8 that produces 38 horsepower, the car cruises nicely at 40 mph and tops out at 50 mph.
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Favorite Links
Luke's Great Race 2008 Web Site
You Tube Video-Luke and his Car
Great Race Official Web Site
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Praise: A smooth transaction. |
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Praise: Excellent Seller Item As Described Fast Delivery Highly Recommended Thanks AAA++ |
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Praise: prompt payment; friendly transaction |
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Praise: Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. |
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Praise: Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. |
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Praise: Arrived intact, no problems - good luck! |
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Praise: Good trans.=Everything as advertized= |
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Praise: Fast payment Excellent E Bayer Thank you A ++++ |
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Praise: Fantastic to deal with A+A+A+A+A+ |
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Praise: Thank you for such a smooth transaction. Would recommend to all. A+++++ |
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